2009 Chinese zodiac: year of the Earth Ox
2009 was the year of the Earth Ox in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 26 January 2009 and ended on 13 February 2010.
2009 is the year of the Earth Ox (Yin). The Chinese year of the Ox ran from 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010, so anyone born between those dates is a Earth Ox. Babies born in 2009 before 26 January 2009 belong to the Earth Rat of 2008.
2009 Earth Ox personality
People born in the year of the Ox are diligent, dependable and strong. Their strengths are patience, honesty and staying power; their watch-outs are stubbornness and resistance to change.
The Earth element adds stability, practicality and patience, so the Earth Ox of 2009 combines the Ox's nature with earth qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Ox: engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, law, medicine.
Born in January or February 2009?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2009, Chinese New Year fell on 26 January 2009.
- Born 26 January 2009 or later in 2009: Earth Ox.
- Born 1 January – 25 January 2009: Earth Rat (2008 sign).
Ox compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Snake, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Rat |
| Traditional clash | Goat |
Other Ox years
1973, 1985, 1997, 2021, 2033. The Earth Ox itself returns in 2069.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2009?
The Earth Ox, for births from 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010.
What if I was born in January or early February 2009?
If you were born before 26 January 2009, your sign is the Earth Rat of 2008, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2009 in the Chinese zodiac?
Earth (Yin). Earth is linked with stability, practicality and patience; its colour is yellow and brown.
Which signs are compatible with the Ox?
Best matches are the Snake and Rooster, plus the Rat as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Goat.
When is the next Earth Ox year?
2069. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2009 in 2026?
They turn 17 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.